CHARLOTTE, NC – It was one of those “how did that happen” events. Friday night’s game against the Houston Aeros saw the Checkers strolling to victory after two goals from Center Zach Boychuk. What happened was the third period; the Checkers had taken a two goal lead with a fine shot from Boychuk. Boychuks second was a power-play when he used his speed to get behind the defense, across the goalie Matt Hackett, then backhanded it in-to the net.
Photo by Tom Nelson
In the third period, Houston scored three goals in under ten minutes. Checkers goalie Justin Peters hurt himself in a clash with Aeros Casey Williams, who went on to score to revive Houston’s chances. Due to injury Mike Murphy replaced Peters in the net, then a few seconds later David McIntyre of the Aeros tied the game at 2-2. Before the Checkers knew what hit them, Jeff Taffe of the Aeros got the game winning goal.
The third period has been a problem in all five games played this season. Charlotte has had at least a one goal lead in all five of these games and in three of them they were leading by 2 goals. This is something that the coaching staff will be working on. It appears that during the second intermission during Friday’s game, this point was discussed, but unfortunately not put in-to action.
Saturday saw a much more determined Checkers with defenseman Justin Faulk scoring in the third period to put them ahead. Jon diSalvatore got the Astros back in the game when the Checkers gave up a goal in the very last minute of regulation. The stalemate continued in-to the overtime period before Chris Terry scored the only goal in the shootout.
Checkers goalie Mike Murphy stopped all five Houston shooters giving him 24 saves for the night. Aeros Matt Hackett also had a good evening making 33 saves from 34 shots.
Because of the injury to Justin Peters on Friday evening, the Checkers recalled John Muse from its ECL affiliate, the Florida Everblades.
Sunday’s game against the Norfolk Admirals was a showcase game for goalie Mike Murphy. After his excellent performance on Saturday v Houston, Murphy turned in another stunning display making 45 saves from 46 shots.
Photo by Tom Nelson
A Norfolk power-play goal put them ahead in the second period. Charlotte then came back with a Michal Jordan goal. With only a few seconds left in the second Cedric McNicholl scored what proved to be the winner. The Admirals fought hard to equalize, but it was Drayson Bowman who in the last two minutes put the game beyond Norfolk’s reach.
The Checkers are now on the road for two weeks starting October 28 with a visit to Oklahoma City. The team then travels to San Antonio, Houston, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Rockford and Oklahoma City finishing the trip in Houston on November 13.
Breaking News- Justin Faulk, Checkers defenseman, has been recalled to the Hurricanes. Faulk has played in three games with the Checkers scoring one goal and earning an assist.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
Contact the photogrtapher at Tom.Nelson@prohockeynews.com
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